My bumpers are straight and rust free, but much of the chrome is gone on some areas. I need to know if it is OK to paint them inside and out with an enamel or Rustoleum, etc if I plan on having them rechromed later on. I don't know if it will interfere with the rechrome process, or if they blast it back down to bare metal before the electroplating... I just want to do something to keep the metal in good shape until I get the things in for rechroming...
i dont see why it would hurt, there gonna blast the down to bare steel anyway before the new chrome gets layed on top.
That's is really what I needed to hear. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to make the process more difficult for them, and run the cost up. Any suggestions on paint and prep, or just like any other paint project? Would rustoleum paint work, or should i use my grey epoxy primer (matches front fenders).
i rubbed mine with a green pad, rustoleum grey primered them & then painted them the same as the car. does an effective job of shrinking the big bumpers.
if its just gonna be blasted off you really dont need a professional looking job. i'd pick up a few of those $.99 cans of spray paint they sell at wall mart and just cover the bumpers in that.
Scoop, just clear coat the outside. Then you could use some of the chrome in a can paint on the insides. That would keep them from rusting.
If I paint, I will do inside and out, since the existing chrome is worn down to that golden colored material under the silver layer in some spots. I thought I would just do black for now. Seems like some guys like the black and stick with it forever...
Sounds like your bumpers are down to the copper plating(Its the first layer put on when chroming)Scuff em good and paint with black rattle can primer.Or go pro and prime with an etching primer(Vari-prime)comes to mind.Then prime with your urethane primer,wet sand and top coat with black,green purple whatever you want.Either way the bumbers get an acid bath when prepped for rechroming to remove crud/rust etc...
Did you know that the "chrome"on your bumpers is a translucent layer applied to the bumpers to protect the "nickel"plating which is what actually gives a chrome bumper its appearance and luster???
